Deanston 15 Years Old

This official Deanston, a 15 year old, at 52.5%. Deanston is a Highland malt made in a vaulted stone mill, waxy and malty in style. The distillery sits on the River Teith near Doune, between Stirling and the Highlands.

Mashed in the open top tun and fermented long for a fruity make, for the waxy, honeyed make Deanston is known for. A Tequila cask held it, shaping the honeyed spirit over the years. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, apple and pear turning honeyed over the waxy body. Years in oak round the spirit, the green apple and honey deepening over the wax. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the soft Highland spirit. River Teith water and a long ferment give the fruity, estery Deanston make. Refill oak lets the waxy, honeyed Deanston character lead the way. Its wash is fermented long, for a fruity, estery character. It was mothballed in 1982 and revived in 1990 under Burn Stewart.

At its natural 52.5% it is concentrated. Baked apple, honey and a creamy malt, with a green, peppery, vegetal edge from the cask. A baked apple and a gentle clove lift it. The finish runs long, fruity and warming. This is the cotton mill malt of the River Teith.